Arm apparatus for mounting electronic devices with cable management system

ABSTRACT

A forearm extension is provided for use in an extension arm that adjustably mounts an electronic device to a support mount, and conceals cables to and from the device within the forearm extension. The forearm extension includes a body having an interior region and first and second ends. A first end coupling is formed by at least a first wall disposed at a first end of the body. The first wall defines an enclosed region having at least one open end. The first end coupling includes a slot formed in the first wall so that the open end of the first end coupling and the interior region of the body are in communication with each other through the slot. The slot is adapted for passage of a cable therethough. A second end coupling is formed by at least a second wall disposed at a second end of the body for coupling to the electronic device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a divisional application of patentapplication Ser. No. 09/406,006 filed on Sep. 24, 1999 now U.S. Pat. No.6,409,134 which claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) from ProvisionalPatent Application No. 60/138,120 filed on Jun. 7, 1999.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an arm apparatus for mounting electronicdevices, and more specifically to an extension arm suitable to mount aflat-screen electronic peripheral device, such as a computer monitor ora television, the extension arm having a system for managing the cablesto and from the flat-screen electronic device.

Adjustable extension arms for mounting electronic peripheral devices,such as a computer monitor or a television, are well known in the priorart. However, due to recent advances in flat-screen technology, there isa demand for adjustable extension arms that are particularly suited foruse with flat-screen devices, such as flat-screen computer monitors andtelevisions.

FIGS. 1-7 are assembly drawings of an extension arm 10 for mounting aperipheral device, in accordance with the prior art. As shown in FIG. 1,the main elements of the extension arm 10 are a first endcap 12, anupper channel 14, a lower channel 16, a second endcap 18, and a forearmextension 20. The first endcap 12 has an endcap shaft 22 that ispivotably attachable to a rigid support mount (not shown), such as anorifice sized to accept the endcap shaft 22 or a track configured andsized to engage the grooves on endcap shaft 22. The first endcap 12 ispivotably coupled via pins 24 to both the upper channel 14 and the lowerchannel 16. The opposite ends of the upper channel 14 and the lowerchannel 16 are pivotably coupled via pins 24 to the second endcap 18.The second endcap 18 is coupled to the forearm extension 20 via aforearm extension pin 92. The forearm extension 20 has a verticallydisposed hole 26 therethrough for accepting a device mount (not shown)such as a tilter, platform or other apparatus. The combination of theupper and the lower channels 14, 16 and the first and the second endcaps12, 18 form an adjustable parallelogram that permits a device coupled tothe forearm extension 20 to be raised and lowered to a desirable height.The parallelogram retains its position by employing a gas spring 28,which is pivotably and adjustably attached to the first endcap 12 andthe upper channel 14, as will be further described below. Generally, thegas spring 28 is sized so as to have a fixed length until an upward ordownward force is exerted at the second endcap 18 that exceeds the gasspring's designed resistance. Thus, the gas spring 28 causes theparallelogram to retain its position when the only force exerted at thesecond endcap 18 is the weight of the device, but permits theparallelogram to be adjusted when a user pushes the device coupled tothe forearm extension 20 up or down.

FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the first endcap 12, having the endcapshaft 22 disposed on a first end 30 of the first endcap 12. To provide arigid connection between the two pieces, the endcap shaft 22 istypically machined from steel and is inserted into the first end 30during the casting process of the first endcap 12. The endcap shaft 22has a hole 32 formed in an end of the endcap shaft 22 that is insertedinto the first endcap 12. The first endcap 12 is typically fabricatedfrom cast aluminum. The first endcap 12 also has a second end 34 havinga hole 36 disposed therethrough. Disposed within the first endcap 12 isa threaded rod 38. A first end 40 of the threaded rod 38 is insertedinto the hole 32 at the base of the endcap shaft 22. A second end 42 ofthe threaded rod 38 is aligned with the hole 36 and is held in place bya clip 44. The clip 44 is fastened to an inner surface of the firstendcap 12 by screws 46.

Threadedly mounted on the threaded rod 38 is a clevis 48. FIG. 3illustrates a sideview of the clevis 48 including a tapped hole 50 inthe center thereof. The tapped hole 50 receives the threaded rod 38, asshown in FIG. 2. At a first end of the clevis 48 is a pair of fasteningmembers 52, 54 to which are fastened one end of the gas spring 28. Asecond end 56 of the clevis 48 is configured to slidably engage a track58 which is integrally molded in the first endcap 12 (see FIG. 2). Thesecond end 42 of the threaded rod 38 is configured to be engaged by ahex-shaped key which is inserted through the hole 36 when the second end42 is properly aligned with the hole 36. The hex-shaped key is employedso as to rotate the threaded rod 38 along its axis of rotation. When thethreaded rod 38 is rotated along its axis of rotation, the clevis 48moves along the length of the threaded rod 38 in a direction thatcorresponds to the direction which the hex-shaped key is turned. Thismovement of the clevis 48 permits the gas spring 28 to be adjusted.

FIGS. 4(a) and 4(b) illustrate the upper channel 14, which compriseschannel bottom 60 from which extend two channel sidewalls 62. Channelbottom 60 and sidewalls 62 are typically stamped from 13 gauge steelsheet in order to give the upper channel 14 a desired degree ofstructural rigidity. At each of the ends of the channel bottom 60, asemi-circular region 64 of the sidewalls 62 is cut out to accommodatecold-rolled steel rollers 66, which have a hole 68 therethrough forreceiving the pins 24. The rollers 66 are rigidly attached to the upperchannel 14 by MIG welding along the edge of the semi-circular cut outregion 64 and along the ends of the channel bottom 60.

Additionally, the upper channel 14 comprises stiffener 70, which iswelded to an inner surface of the channel bottom 60. Besides providingadditional structural rigidity to the upper channel 14, the stiffener 70has a hole disposed at one end with a threaded ball stud 72 placedwithin the hole and fixed in place by a nut 74. The ball stud 72 isconfigured and sized to receive one end of the gas spring 28. Thelongitudinal centerline 76 of the upper channel 14 is illustrated inFIG. 4(b).

FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) illustrate the lower channel 16 which comprises achannel bottom 78 from which extend two channel sidewalls 80. As withthe upper channel 14, the channel bottom 78 and sidewalls 80 aretypically stamped from 13 gauge steel sheet, which is relatively heavyin order to give the lower channel 16 a desired degree of structuralrigidity. At opposite ends of the channel bottom 78, a semi-circularregion 82 of the sidewalls 80 is cut out to accommodate cold-rolledsteel rollers 84, which have a hole 86 therethrough for receiving thepins 24. The rollers 84 are rigidly attached to the lower channel 16 byMIG welding along the edge of the semi-circular cut out region 82 andalong the ends of the channel bottom 78. The longitudinal centerline 88of the lower channel 16 is illustrated on FIG. 5(b).

FIG. 6 illustrates the second endcap 18. Unlike the first endcap 12, thesecond endcap 18 does not have an endcap shaft, nor does it have aclevis assembly for attachment to the gas spring 28. Instead, the secondendcap 18 has a hole 90 disposed in a bottom end for receiving theforearm extension pin 92, and a hole 94 in a side for inserting a pin 96into the forearm extension pin 92, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 illustrates the forearm extension 20 having the forearm extensionpin 92 welded thereto. The forearm extension pin 92 has a hole 98 formedin an upper end to receive the pin 96. The forearm extension 20 isconfigured to be pivoted around the forearm extension pin 92, and isheld in place within the second endcap 18 by the pin 96 which penetratesthe hole 94 of the second endcap 18 and the hole 98 of the forearmextension pin 92.

Extension arms 10 of the prior art, such as the one shown in FIGS. 1-7and others like it, are ill-suited for flat-screen monitors andtelevisions, in that they are bulky and cumbersome. Moreover, due to theconfiguration of its various parts, extension arms 10 of the prior artcannot be flattened against a mounting surface so that the entireextension arm 10 is hidden behind the flat-screen device when the deviceis substantially flush with the mounting surface. Furthermore, theextension arms 10 of the prior art are not designed so as to enable thecables to and from a device to be substantially hidden, and thusprotected, within the extension arm 10 itself. Additionally, theextension arms 10 of the prior art are costly to manufacture anddifficult to assemble.

Thus, there is a need for an extension arm suitable to mount aflat-screen electronic peripheral device, such as a computer monitor ortelevision, that is inexpensive and easy to manufacture and assemble,that permits a flat-screen device to be mounted substantially flush withthe mounting surface, and that enables the cables to and from theflat-screen device to be substantially hidden from view within theextension arm and thus protected from the elements.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in accordance with one embodiment, relates to anextension arm suitable for mounting a flat-screen electronic peripheraldevice, such as a computer monitor or television. The extension arm isinexpensive and easy to manufacture and assemble, permits a flat-screendevice to be mounted substantially flush with a mounting surface, andenables the cables to and from the flat-screen device to besubstantially hidden from view within the extension arm.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the extension armcomprises a first and a second endcap, an upper and a lower channel, anda forearm extension. Each endcap has a shaft. The shaft of the firstendcap is pivotably rotatable in a support mount, such as a wall, deskor pole mount. The shaft of the second endcap is rotatably coupled tothe forearm extension.

The upper channel and the lower channel have at opposite ends integrallycast rollers. The rollers are pivotably attached to the respectiveendcap. The upper and lower channels and the endcaps form an adjustableparallelogram. The shape of the parallelogram is retained by a gasspring. A first end of the gas spring is attached to a ball stud mountedin the upper channel. A second end of the gas spring is adjustablymounted to the first endcap.

The forearm extension is a U-shaped channel with a first couplingdisposed at one end for rotatably coupling to a tilter, a platform orother means for supporting a flat-screen device. The forearm extensionhas a second coupling disposed at the other end for rotatably couplingto the shaft of the second endcap.

The first endcap also includes a clevis pivotably attached to the secondend of the gas spring and a threaded rod threadedly engaging the clevis,such that the clevis slides within the first endcap when the rod rotatesaround its axial centerline. The threaded rod is rotatably securedwithin the first endcap by a retainer clip and a pair of screws.

A cable can be substantially hidden from view by being disposed withinthe extension arm. The cable is disposed within the lower channel, thesecond endcap and the forearm extension. The lower channel includes acable channel formed in a lower surface thereof so that the cable can beinserted within the lower channel. The cable is held in place within thelower channel by a cable cover which engages the cable channel. Thesecond endcap has a hollow shaft so that the cable can be fed throughthe shaft to the forearm extension. The second coupling of the forearmextension has a hole in an interior wall so that the cable can bedisposed through the hole and into the U-shaped channel. The cable isheld within the U-shaped channel by a cable clip.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part ofthe specification, illustrate the embodiments of the present inventionand, together with the description, serve to explain the principles ofthe invention.

FIG. 1 is an assembly drawing of an extension arm for mounting acomputer monitor, in accordance with the prior art;

FIG. 2 illustrates a first endcap of an extension arm, in accordancewith the prior art;

FIG. 3 illustrates the clevis assembly of an extension arm, inaccordance with the prior art;

FIGS. 4 a and 4 b illustrate the upper channel of an extension arm, inaccordance with the prior art;

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b illustrate the lower channel of an extension arm, inaccordance with the prior art;

FIG. 6 illustrates a second endcap of an extension arm, in accordancewith the prior art;

FIG. 7 illustrates a forearm extension of an extension arm, inaccordance with the prior art;

FIG. 8 is an exploded assembly drawing of an extension arm having aninterior cable management system for adjustably mounting a flat-screendevice to a support mount, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a side view of an extension arm with an interior cablemanagement system;

FIGS. 10 a-d illustrate several views of a first endcap, in accordancewith one embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 11 a-d illustrate several views of an upper channel, according toone embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 12 a-e illustrate several views of a lower channel, according toone embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 13 a-c illustrate several views of a partially enclosed housing ofa second endcap, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 14 a-b illustrates several views of a shaft assembly of a secondendcap, according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates an assembled second endcap according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 16 a and 16 b illustrate a forearm extension, in accordance withone embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 17 a-b, illustrate several views of a bushing used in a secondfemale coupling of the extension arm illustrated in FIGS. 16 a-b,

FIG. 18 illustrates a forearm extension, in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 19 illustrates a forearm extension, in accordance with oneembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing the preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated inthe drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity.However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specificterms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific termincludes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner toaccomplish a similar purpose.

With reference to the drawings, in general, and FIGS. 8 through 17 inparticular, the apparatus of the present invention is disclosed.Embodiments of an extension arm suitable for mounting a flat-screenelectronic peripheral device, such as a computer monitor or television,that is inexpensive and easy to manufacture and assemble, and permits aflat-screen device to be mounted substantially flush with a mountingsurface is described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/133,378 filed May 10, 1999 entitled “Arm Apparatus For MountingElectronic Devices”, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein inits entirety. The current invention discloses embodiments that enablethe extension arm to substantially hide from view the cables to and fromthe flat-screen electronic peripheral device within the extension arm.

FIG. 8 is an exploded assembly drawing of an extension arm 100 inaccordance with one embodiment. The extension arm 100 comprises a firstendcap 102, an upper channel 104, a lower channel 106, a second endcap108, and a forearm extension 110. FIG. 9 illustrates how cables to andfrom the device are disposed within the lower channel 106, the secondend cap 108, and the forearm extension 110 of the extension arm 100 soas to be hidden from view. FIG. 9 will be discussed in more detaillater.

FIGS. 10C a and 10 b illustrate the first endcap 102, in accordance withone embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment shown, the firstendcap 102 includes a partially-enclosed housing 112 which has flat,oppositely-disposed endwalls 146 and 148 fixedly connected by a sidewall150. The sidewall 150 extends partially around the partially-enclosedhousing 112 so as to permit manipulation of components to be assembledwithin the first endcap 102. In one embodiment, the endwalls 146 and 148are semi-circular in shape and are connected along a semicircular edgeto the sidewall 150, which extends perpendicularly therebetween.

FIG. 10 a illustrates the first endcap 102 having a shaft 114 disposedon the endwall 148. The shaft 114 is preferably integrally molded to theendwall 148 of the first endcap 102. Preferably the entire first endcap102 (the partially enclosed housing 112 and the shaft 114) is moldedfrom zinc. The endwall 146 has a hole 152 disposed therethrough. Withinthe partially enclosed housing 112 and integrally molded on the sidewall150 are stops 156 disposed in proximity to the endwalls 146, 148; troughwalls 158 disposed longitudinally along the inner surface of thesidewall 150 between the endwalls 146 and 148 so as to define a trough160 therebetween; and shelves 162 disposed adjacent to the endwall 148.

The stops 156 serve to stop upward or downward movement of the extensionarm 100 when ends of the upper channel 104 and the lower channel 106,respectively, meet the stops 156 when the extension arm 100 is inextended positions. The trough 160 disposed between the trough walls 158allows a clevis 120 to be moved therein, as discussed in more detaillater. FIG. 10 b illustrates the shelves 162 defining co-planar facesseparated by a groove 164. The shelves 162 have a connection means, suchas self-tapping screw holes 154 disposed therein. The co-planar faces ofthe shelves 162 are configured to engage a retainer clip 126, which isfastened in place by, for example, a pair of screws 128. When theretainer clip 126 is fastened in place, the groove 164 defines a spacingfor accepting one end of a threaded rod 124, as discussed in more detailbelow.

The threaded rod 124 and the clevis 120 are now fabricated and assembledin the first endcap 102. The threaded rod 124 is employed within thefirst endcap 102 so as to adjustably support the clevis 120. FIG. 10 cillustrates the threaded rod 124 having a first end 166 which has acircular cross-section within which is axially disposed a shaped opening168, for example a hex-shaped opening, for accepting a shaped key (notshown), such as a hex-shaped key. Advantageously, a cross-sectionaldiameter of the first end 166 is smaller than a cross-sectional diameterof the hole 152, so as to be inserted therein. Adjacent the first end166 is a shoulder 170. Advantageously, the shoulder 170 has a circularcross-section having a diameter that is larger than the cross-sectionaldiameter of the hole 152. Thus, in a preferred embodiment, the shoulder170 abuts an inner surface of the endwall 146 and retains the first end166 within the hole 152.

The threaded rod 124 also includes a threaded section 172 which isconfigured to threadingly engage the clevis 120. A second end 174 ofthreaded rod 124 is disposed in the groove 164 located between theshelves 162 of the first endcap 102. Preferably, the second end 174 ofthe threaded rod 124 has a circular cross-section having a diameter thatis smaller than the size of the groove 164, such that the second end 174is supported between the shelves 162 but is free to rotate therein.

As previously mentioned, threadedly mounted on the rod 124 is the clevis120. The clevis 120 as illustrated in FIG. 10 d, has a tapped hole 176formed therein for receiving the threaded rod 124. The clevis 120 alsohas a pair of fastening members 178 at a first end to which are fasteneda first end of a gas spring 122. The second end of the clevis 120 isconfigured to slidably engage the trough 160.

When the first end 166 of the threaded rod 124 is engaged by a shapedkey, the shaped key is employed so as to rotate the threaded rod 124around its axial centerline. When the threaded rod 124 is rotated aroundthis axis of rotation, the clevis 120 moves along the length of thethreaded rod 124 in a direction that corresponds to the direction whichthe shaped key is turned. This movement of the clevis 120 permits thegas spring 122 to be adjusted.

The partially enclosed housing 112 is configured with, for example,holes 116 to receive a connection mechanism, such as pins 118,therethrough. The shaft 114 is configured to be inserted for pivotablerotation in a support mount (not shown), which may be a wall, desk orpole mount, or a configurable mount as shown and described inApplicant's copending patent applications: Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/106,729 filed on Nov. 2, 1998 and Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/108,469 filed on Nov. 14, 1998.

FIGS. 11 a-d illustrate several views of the upper channel 104,according to one embodiment of the invention. The upper channel 104includes a U-shaped body 130 having a longitudinal axis 188 andintegrally cast rollers 132 disposed at opposite ends of the U-shapedbody 130. The U-shaped body 130 comprises a channel bottom 180 fromwhich extend two channel sidewalls 182. The channel bottom 180, thesidewalls 182 and the rollers 132 of the upper channel 104 arepreferably integrally cast from zinc, which gives the upper channel 104a lesser weight, and a degree of structural rigidity, more suitable forlighter-weight flat-screen devices than the prior art upper channel 14which is stamped from heavy gauge steel. The rollers 132 have a hole 184therethrough (either cast or subsequently drilled) for receiving aconnection mechanism, such as the pins 118. Additionally, the upperchannel 104 comprises a threaded hole 186 configured and sized toreceive a threaded end of a ball stud 138. The threaded hole 186 is alsointegrally cast. The ball stud 138 is configured and sized to receive asecond end of the gas spring 122.

Unlike the prior art upper channel 14 in which the U-shaped channel isformed by heating a piece of steel and bending the steel to form thechannel bottom 60 and the sidewalls 62, the upper channel 104 of theinvention is cast molded. The use of cast molding ensures the anglebetween the channel bottom 180 and the sidewalls 182 is exactly the sameeach and every time. Moreover, cast molding enables the sidewalls 182 tobe tapered. As illustrated in FIGS. 11 c and 11 d, both an outer surfaceand an inner surface of the sidewalls 182 may taper in, for example, byapproximately 1 degree. It should be noted that the taper is not limitedto 1 degree, and that the taper of the inner surface and the outersurface need not be the same. The taper provides several advantagesincluding more clearance between the upper and the lower channels 104,106 when the upper and the lower channels 104, 106 are brought togetherduring usage. That is, the inner surface of the sidewalls 182 beingdisplaced by 1 degree means that there will be additional clearance forthe lower channel 106 to fit therewithin. The additional clearance willhelp prevent the upper channel 104 and the lower channel 106 fromscraping together.

FIGS. 12 a-e illustrate several views of the lower channel 106,according to one embodiment of the invention. The lower channel 106includes a U-shaped body 134 having a longitudinal axis 200 andintegrally cast rollers 136 disposed at opposite ends of the U-shapedbody 134. The U-shaped body 134 of the lower channel 106 comprises achannel bottom 190 from which extend two channel sidewalls 192. Thechannel bottom 190, the sidewalls 192 and the rollers 136 of the lowerchannel 106 are preferably integrally cast from zinc, which gives thelower channel 106 a lesser weight when compared to heavy gauge steel,and a degree of structural rigidity, more suitable for lighter-weightflat-screen devices. The rollers 136 have a hole 194 therethrough(either cast or subsequently drilled) for receiving a connectionmechanism, such as the pins 118.

The channel bottom 190 additionally includes a cable channel 196 runninglongitudinally therealong. In the embodiment shown, a first end 197 ofthe cable channel 196 starts near an end of the channel bottom 190 thatpivotably connects to the first endcap 102. The cable channel 196 thenruns along the entire length of the channel bottom 190 to the end of thechannel bottom 190 that pivotably connects to the second endcap 108.Thus, the second end 199 of the cable channel 196 is an opening betweenthe roller 136 at the end of the channel bottom that pivotably connectsto the second endcap 108. The first end 197 may be, for example, roundedto improve the rigidity of the lower channel 106. The cable channel 196is configured to receive a cable cover 198 (illustrated in FIG. 12 e)which is configured to removably fit within the cable channel 196. Thus,cables of the mounted device may be substantially retained within thelower channel 106 so as to hide them from view and protect them fromharm. The cable channel 196 and the cable cover 198 enable cables to beaccessed when desired, while securing them within the lower channel 106.

As illustrated in FIGS. 12 c and 12 d the sidewalls 192 of the lowerchannel 106 are tapered. For example, an outer surface of the sidewalls192 may be tapered approximately ½ degree while an inner surface may betapered approximately 1 degree. It should be noted that the taper is notlimited to a particular angle, and that the taper of the inner surfaceand the outer surface may be the same. The taper is possible because thelower channel 106 is, in the preferred embodiment, cast molded. As notedabove with respect to the upper channel 104, the taper provides moreclearance between the upper channel 104 and the lower channel 106 so asto reduce or eliminate the chance of the upper and the lower channels104, 106 scraping.

As illustrated in FIG. 12 e, the cable cover 198 includes a top cover202 with two sidewalls 204 protruding therefrom. A far end of eachsidewall 204 has a catch 206 formed thereon so as to engage with thecable channel 196.

The second endcap 108 includes a partially enclosed housing 250 and ashaft assembly 252. As illustrated in FIGS. 13 a-c, the partiallyenclosed housing 250 has a first endwall 254 and a second endwall 256oppositely-disposed from each other and fixedly connected by a sidewall258. The sidewall 258 extends partially around the partially-enclosedhousing 250 so as to permit manipulation of components, such as cables,which may be contained therewithin. The first endwall 254 has a hole 260disposed therethrough and threaded holes 262 disposed therein that arein communication with the hole 260. Disposed with the threaded holes 262are set screws 264. Preferably, the diameter of the hole 260 is largeenough to allow a plug end of a cable to fit therethrough.

As illustrated in FIGS. 14 a-c, the shaft assembly 252 preferablyincludes two symmetrical endcap adapters 266 which when assembledprovide a hollow shaft 268. The endcap adapters 266 have a mounting end270 and a shaft end 272 that is thinner than the mounting end 270. Asillustrated in FIG. 15, the mounting end 270 of both of the endcapadapters 266 are inserted into the hole 260 and are coupled together andto the partially enclosed housing 250, to form the second endcap 108, bytightening the set screws 264.

The upper and the lower channels 104, 106 and the first and the secondendcaps 102, 108 are configured so as to form an adjustableparallelogram. When configured, the shaft 114 of the first endcap 102and the hollow shaft 268 of the second endcap 108 point in oppositedirections. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the shaft 114 of thefirst endcap 102 extends vertically downward while the hollow shaft 268of the second endcap 108 extends vertically upward. The shape of theparallelogram is retained by the gas spring 122. As previouslymentioned, the first end of the gas spring 122 is attached to the ballstud 138 mounted within the upper channel 104 and the second end isadjustably mounted to the clevis 120 within the first endcap 102.Generally, the gas spring 122 is sized so as to have a fixed lengthuntil an upward or downward force is exerted at the second endcap 108that exceeds the gas spring's designed resistance. Thus, the gas spring122 retains the parallelogram shape when the only force exerted at thesecond endcap 108 is the weight of the flat-screen device. However, thegas spring 122 permits the parallelogram shape to be adjusted when auser pushes the flat-screen device coupled to the forearm extension 110up or down.

With reference to FIGS. 16 a and 16 b, the forearm extension 110includes a body 140 having a first female coupling 142 located on afirst end and a second female coupling 144 located on a second end. Thefirst female coupling 142 has an inner diameter 209 that is sized torotatably engage the hollow shaft 268 of the second endcap 108. Thefirst female coupling 142 is also configured to receive a cable throughthe hollow shaft 268. That is, the first female coupling 142 has a cableslot 274 formed therein, for example by milling the cable slot 274 intothe first female coupling 142, or by casting the first female coupling142 with the cable slot 274 integrally formed therein.

The first female coupling 142 preferably has a set screw 212 formedwithin a wall 214 thereof. The set screw 212 can be tightened to preventthe first female coupling 142 from rotating about the hollow shaft 268.Advantageously, the first female coupling 142 has a plurality of voids217 formed in the wall 214, which saves on material costs and permitsthe forearm extension 110, when cast, to be cooled more quickly. Thequicker cooling enables the production quantity to be increased.

A bushing 210 (FIG. 8) is preferably used to engage the first femalecoupling 142 and the hollow shaft 268. That is, the bushing 210 isplaced over the hollow shaft 268 and within the first female coupling142. The bushing 210 is preferably made of a smooth material, such asplastic, in order to reduce friction and prevent metal to metal contact.As illustrated in FIGS. 17 a and 17 b, the bushing 210 also has a cableslot 276 formed therein. The cable slots 274, 276 are aligned so that acable can pass therethrough. When the set screw 212 is tightened itcauses the bushing 210 to flex inward and frictionally engage the hollowshaft 268 and thus prevent the forearm extension 110 from rotating aboutthe hollow shaft 268. The hollow shaft 268 and the first female coupling142 are held together by utilizing a screw 211 and a washer 213 (FIG.8).

The body 140 preferably has an inverted U-shape with a topwall 207 andtwo sidewalls 208 so that a cable can be hidden therein. Advantageouslyattached within the U-shaped body 140, and preferably on the topwall207, is a cable holder 278 (FIG. 8). The cable holder 278 secures acable within the U-shaped body so that it can be hidden from view as ittravels the length of the forearm extension 110.

The second female coupling 144 is for attachment to a device mounting(not shown), such as a tilter (described in Applicant's co-pendingProvisional Patent Application No. 60/137,088 filed on Jun. 2, 1999), aplatform, or other means for supporting a flat-screen device. Thus, thesecond female coupling 144 has an inner diameter 218 that is sized torotatably engage a shaft of the device mount. A bushing 220 (FIG. 8),preferably made of a smooth material such as plastic, is placed over theshaft and within the second female coupling 144. The second femalecoupling 144 preferably has a set screw 222 formed within a wall 224 ofthe second female coupling 144. When the set screw 222 is tightened itcauses the bushing 220 to flex inward and frictionally engage the shaftand thus prevent the device mount from rotating around the second femalecoupling 144. Advantageously, the second female coupling 144 also has aplurality of voids 226 formed in the wall 224.

The embodiment of the forearm extension 110 illustrated in FIGS. 16 aand 16 b, has the topwall 207 flush with an upper edge of the femalecouplings 142, 144. Since the first female coupling 142 is larger thanthe second female coupling, the center of the first female coupling 142is not aligned with the center of the second female coupling 144 or anaxial centerline 228 of the body 140. It should be noted that analternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 18 is to have the center of thefemale couplings 142, 144 and the axial centerline 228 of the body 140all aligned, so that the topwall 207 would not be aligned with an upperedge of the first female coupling 142.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16 a, has the body 140 horizontallydisposed between the female couplings 142, 144 when the axialcenterlines of the female couplings 142, 144 are vertically disposed. Itshould be noted however that the body 140 is not limited to behorizontally disposed and may be disposed at an incline in thisembodiment as shown in FIG. 19.

The present invention permits a flat-screen device which is mounted to awall to be flattened against the wall while hiding the extension arm 100within the shadow of the device. That is, the forearm extension 110 maybe folded into a position which is directly above the upper and thelower channels 104, 106. As a result, the mounted device is flush to themounting surface and substantially hides the parallelogram, formed bythe first and the second endcaps 102, 108 and the upper and the lowerchannels 104, 106, as well as the forearm extension 110 from view. Thus,the aesthetic appeal of the extension arm 100 is increased and the spaceoccupied by the extension arm 100 and the device is minimized.

Referring back to FIG. 9, a flat screen monitor 300 is attached to atilter 302 which is rotatably coupled to the second female coupling 144.A cable 304, such as a power cable, proceeds from the monitor 300 to theunderside off the U-shaped body 140 of the forearm extension 110. Thecable 304 is held in place within the U-shaped body 140 by the cableholder 278. The cable 304 proceeds from the body through the cable slots274, 276 in the bushing 210 and the first female coupling 142. The cablethen proceeds through the hollow shaft 268 of the second endcap 108. Thecable exits the second endcap 208 through the open end of the partiallyenclosed housing 260. The cable proceeds down the length of the lowerchannel 106 and exits at the first end 197 of the cable channel 196.

Preferably, the cable 304 is inserted into the extension arm 100 asportions of the extension arm 100 are being assembled. That is, thecable 304 is placed under the U-shaped body 140 of the forearm extension110 and is held in place by the cable holder 278. The cable is thenpassed through the cable slots 274, 276. The cable 304 including theplug 306 is then fed through the hole 260 in the second endcap 108. Thesecond endcap 108 is now assembled by inserting the mounting end 270 ofeach endcap adapter 268 into the hole 260, thus surrounding the cable304. The endcap adapters 268 are held together and within the hole 260by tightening the set screws 264. The hollow shaft 268 is then placedwithin the first female coupling 142. The cable 304 is placed within thelower channel 106, prior to the lower channel 106 and the second endcapbeing secured together. This ensures that the cable 304 is above theroller 136 and is contained within the hollow bar formed by the upperchannel 104 and the lower channel 106.

Referring back to FIG. 8, several additional components of the extensionarm 100 are discussed. For aesthetic purposes, a bumper 280 may beplaced on the second endwall 256 of the second endcap 108 and a plug 282may be placed over the first female coupling 142. A washer 284 may beplaced over the two endcap adapters 268 to help secure them together.

Although this invention has been illustrated by reference to specificembodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatvarious changes and modifications may be made that clearly fall withinthe scope of the invention. The invention is intended to be protectedbroadly within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

1. A forearm extension for use in an extension arm that adjustablymounts an electronic device to a support mount and conceals cables toand from the device within said forearm extension, said forearmextension comprising: a body having a hollow interior and first andsecond ends, said body having an open bottom arranged between said firstand second ends; means disposed at the second end of said body forattaching to the device; and a coupling having a wall disposed at thefirst end of said body, said coupling having a slot formed in said wallthereof, said wall defining an enclosed region having an open bottom endso that said enclosed region of said coupling and said hollow interiorof said body are in communication with each other through said slot by apassageway formed therewith, whereby a cable is adapted for passagethrough said passageway upward through said open bottom end into saidenclosed region, through said slot and through the interior of saidhollow body.
 2. The forearm extension of claim 1, wherein said couplinghas a set screw contained in said wall.
 3. The forearm extension ofclaim 1, wherein an inner surface of said coupling has a plurality ofgrooves formed therein.
 4. The forearm extension of claim 1, whereinsaid coupling comprises a first end coupling and said means forattaching comprises a second end coupling.
 5. The forearm extension ofclaim 4, wherein said first end coupling has a set screw contained in asidewall thereof.
 6. The forearm extension of claim 4, wherein an innersurface of said first end coupling has a plurality of grooves formedtherein.
 7. The forearm extension of claim 4, wherein a centerline ofsaid first end coupling and a centerline of said second end coupling arealigned with a longitudinal centerline of said body.
 8. The forearmextension of claim 4, wherein a lower surface of said body is alignedwith a lower edge of said second end coupling and above a lower edge ofsaid first end coupling.
 9. The forearm extension of claim 4, whereinsaid body is disposed at an angle between said first end coupling andsaid second end coupling when said first end coupling and said secondend coupling are disposed such that an axial centerline of each isvertical.
 10. The forearm extension of claim 4, wherein said body ishorizontally disposed between said first end coupling and said secondend coupling when said first end coupling and said second end couplingare disposed such that an axial centerline of each is vertical.
 11. Theforearm extension of claim 1, wherein said body is U-shaped.
 12. Theforearm extension of claim 11, further comprising a cable holder withinsaid U-shaped body.
 13. The forearm extension of claim 1, furtherincluding an electronic device coupled to said means.
 14. A forearmextension for use in an extension arm that adjustably mounts anelectronic device to a support mount and conceals cables to and from thedevice within said forearm extension, said forearm extension comprising:a body having a hollow interior region and first and second ends, saidbody having an open bottom arranged between said first and second ends;a first end coupling formed by at least a first wall disposed at thefirst end of said body, said first wall defining an enclosed regionhaving at least an open bottom end, said first end coupling having aslot formed in said first wall so that said open bottom end of saidfirst end coupling and said interior region of said body are incommunication with each other through said slot forming a cablepassageway adapted for passage of a cable extending therethrough fromsaid open bottom end of said first end coupling to the second end ofsaid body; and a second end coupling formed by at least a second walldisposed at the second end of said body for coupling to the electronicdevice.
 15. The forearm extension of claim 14, wherein said second endcoupling has a set screw contained in said second wall.
 16. The forearmextension of claim 14, wherein an inner surface of said second wall hasa plurality of grooves formed therein.
 17. The forearm extension ofclaim 14, wherein said first end coupling has a set screw contained insaid first wall thereof.
 18. The forearm extension of claim 14, whereinan inner surface of said first wall has a plurality of grooves formedtherein.
 19. The forearm extension of claim 14, wherein said body isU-shaped.
 20. The forearm extension of claim 19, further comprising acable holder within said interior region of said body.
 21. The forearmextension of claim 14, wherein a centerline of said first end couplingand a centerline of said second end coupling are aligned with alongitudinal centerline of said body.
 22. The forearm extension of claim14, wherein a lower surface of said body is aligned with a lower edge ofsaid second end coupling and above a lower edge of said first endcoupling.
 23. The forearm extension of claim 14, wherein said body isdisposed at an angle between said first end coupling and said second endcoupling when said first end coupling and said second end coupling aredisposed such that an axial centerline of each is vertical.
 24. Theforearm extension of claim 14, wherein said body is horizontallydisposed between said first end coupling and said second end couplingwhen said first end coupling and said second end coupling are disposedsuch that an axial centerline of each is vertical.
 25. A forearmextension for use in an extension arm that adjustably mounts anelectronic device to a support mount and conceals cables to and from thedevice within said forearm extension, said forearm extension comprising:a hollow body having first and second ends and an open bottom arrangedtherebetween; means disposed at the second end of said body forattaching to the device; and a coupling having a wall disposed at thefirst end of said body, said coupling having a slot formed in said wallthereof, said wall defining an enclosed region having an open bottom endso that said enclosed region of said coupling and said body are incommunication with each other through said slot, whereby a cable isadapted for passage upward through said open bottom end into saidenclosed region, through said slot and into said hollow body; whereinsaid coupling comprises a first end coupling and said means forattaching comprises a second end coupling, and wherein a lower surfaceof said body is aligned with a lower edge of said second end couplingand above a lower edge of said first coupling.
 26. A forearm extensionfor use in an extension arm that adjustably mounts an electronic deviceto a support mount and conceals cables to and from the device withinsaid forearm extension, said forearm extension comprising: a hollow bodyhaving first and second ends and an open bottom arranged therebetween;means disposed at the second end of said body for attaching to thedevice; and a coupling having a wall disposed at the first end of saidbody, said coupling having a slot formed in said wall thereof, said walldefining an enclosed region having an open bottom end so that saidenclosed region of said coupling and said body are in communication witheach other through said slot, whereby a cable is adapted for passageupward through said open bottom end into said enclosed region, throughsaid slot and into said hollow body; wherein said coupling comprises afirst end coupling and said means for attaching comprises a second endcoupling, and wherein said body is disposed at an angle between saidfirst end coupling and said second end coupling when said first endcoupling and said second end coupling are disposed such that an axialcenterline of each is vertical.
 27. A forearm extension for use in anextension arm that adjustably mounts an electronic device to a supportmount and conceals cables to and from the device within said forearmextension, said forearm extension comprising: a body having an interiorregion and first and second ends and an open bottom arrangedtherebetween; a first end coupling formed by at least a first walldisposed at the first end of said body, said first wall defining anenclosed region having at least an open bottom end, said first endcoupling having a slot formed in said first wall so that said openbottom end of said first end coupling and said interior region of saidbody are in communication with each other through said slot adapted forpassage of a cable therethrough; and a second end coupling formed by atleast a second wall disposed at the second end of said body forattaching to the electronic device; wherein a lower surface of said bodyis aligned with a lower edge of said second coupling and above a loweredge of said first end coupling.
 28. A forearm extension for use in anextension arm that adjustably mounts an electronic device to a supportmount and conceals cables to and from the device within said forearmextension, said forearm extension comprising: a body having an interiorregion and first and second ends and an open bottom arrangedtherebetween; a first end coupling formed by at least a first walldisposed at the first end of said body, said first wall defining anenclosed region having at least an open bottom end, said first endcoupling having a slot formed in said first wall so that said openbottom end of said first end coupling and said interior region of saidbody are in communication with each other through said slot adapted forpassage of a cable therethrough; and a second end coupling formed by atleast a second wall disposed at the second end of said body forattaching to the electronic device; wherein said body is disposed at anangle between said first end coupling and said second end coupling whensaid first end coupling and said second end coupling are disposed suchthat an axial centerline of each is vertical.